BM 520 vs. SERE 2000 Please help!

D

darkstep721

Joined
Jan 13, 2003
Messages
5
Now I'm confused... looking for a new knife. I'm used to carrying smaller knives (Microtech mini-socom, Benchmade mini-afck) but am looking for a larger folding knife in the 3.5" blade range. The two knives I'm stuck on is the Benchmade 520 and the Al Mar Sere 2000. I've handled the SERE 2000 but haven't had the opportunity to handle the BM 520. This knife will mainly be used for moderate cutting and slicing, possible mild prying, etc... I'm not too hard on a knife as I know it's limitations but am not gentle with one either since I look at it as a tool. Can someone do a comparison on these two knives for me? I'd also be willing to look at other knives in the $120.00 price range. Thank you for your time.
 
I ordered both. I received my S2K only last Wednesday and now I'm already thinking about getting the coated version. :D The handle allows breathing space for my fingers, and the lock-up is awesome.

Still waiting for the 520.
 
Theres nothing wrong with the Benchmade 730 or 720 series either,the 520 might be the newest Benchmade but it doesent mean its the best!
 
To be honest, I don't have any experience with the Benchmade 520 knife, but I do have a pair of the EXCELLENT Al Mar SERE 2000 knives, and they are the BEST!...The SERE 2000 IS my favorite folder, (and I have owned and carried ALOT of different folders in my life-time.)...The materials and fit & finish is totally top-notch, and it's one solid folder! The SERE 2000 just feels..."right".
 
Do a search for the 520 here. I had a glowing review of the 520.

It's an utterly kickass knife in the size range, and IMHO it well outclasses the SERE2k.

The S2k doesn't have the advantage of being rust-resistant in the handle (steel liners and backspacer vs. the AXIS's steel liners and aluminium backspacer), and its lock has been observed to slip, unlike the AXIS.

Pros of the S2k: Ultra-deep concealment clip. G10 scales. Simplicity of the linerlock.

Cons of the S2k: Linerlock. Strange swedge shoulders. Lower grind. Teflon washers.

Pros of the 520: AXIS lock. Very grippy anodized aluminium scales. Higher grind, can be made extremely sharp.

Cons of the 520: More complex AXIS lock requires lube.

Bottom line: I sold my S2k after a few days. My 520 has been with me for at least a few months now.

-j
 
Haven't handled either, but from what little I know of each, I'd personally go with the BM520.

Mike
 
I have handled the 520 and I own 2 S2K's. The S2K in my opinion is the finest liner lock production knife made. Extremely robust and the VG10 takes and holds an awesome edge and is easier to sharpen. Well can't compare sharpening to the 520 but the S2K is very easy to keep sharp and stays that way. It is a big beefy folder that is overbuilt and I believe in all around use the SERE wins hands down pretty much over about any other commercially made liner lock out there today. I rotate the SERE with an EKI CQC7 as an edc for the most part. For work carry I carry something a bit smaller a Blink or mini AFCK. I don't believe you will go wrong with either but imho the SERE will stand up to alot of abuse, keep working, has a bit better ergo's, and the VG10 is outstanding steel. Keep'em sharp and happy holidays.
 
I haven't handled a S2K before but the 520 is awsome. It's my newest EDC. In my experience an Axis lock always beats a liner lock. Just my 2 cents...
 
I've handled the 520, but don't own one yet. For some reason though, I've owned three S2K's and have traded them, then immediately began looking for another one. Sick. :rolleyes:

Anyway, the S2K is just a great knife, and as is often mentioned here, has got to be one of the best production folders made. It's got plenty of heft, great ergonomics, that strong liner lock, and the aesthetics are fantastic-it's just a great looking knife. The thing I like most of all? That solid "thwock!" sound it makes when the blade locks into place. geegee
 
I've got both. For me being the Lefty that I am, the 520 is "friendlier." I like both. They are very similar in size and shape. The 520 has a bit more curve to the over all design. The blade of the 520 is also thicker edge to spine and maintains more steel at the tip. The 520 has also never caught my pocket with a thumbstud and opened as I draw the S2k has.

I like gunslingers advice get both you won't be sorry.
 
Wow... Thanks everyone for your input. I too like gunslinger's advice but can't afford both of them at this time. I'm still not decided but am leaning towards the sere 2k right now. Can anyone tell me which one is thicker in the handle? I'd think I'd prefer the thinner handle one for ease of carrying in my pocket.
 
They are about the same handle thickness and carry about the same. The one advantage the S2K has is that it carries very low and discreetly in the pocket. Both carry very easy.

Good Luck. Enjoy your choice. Happy Holidays
Mike
 
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